A FOOTBALLER from Coventry who was jailed for causing the death of two young boys in a car crash has signed for Oxford United.

Coventry-born Luke McCormick served half of a four-year-and-seven month prison sentence after admitting death by dangerous driving in 2008.

Ben Peak, 10, and brother Arron, 8, died in a collision on the M6 in Staffordshire as McCormick was returning from a wedding while twice the drink-driving limit.

Since his release from prison last year McCormick had been playing for Blue Square Bet South side Truro City.

After signing the keeper on transfer deadline day yesterday, Oxford United boss Chris Wilder said the club were “very mindful of the past and the situation”.

He added: “Luke is very contrite and sorry about what happened. He was sentenced and went to prison and during that time had the opportunity to reflect on what he had done.

“It is hard to separate the two but purely from a football perspective he is an experienced goalkeeper who has played most of his games in League One and the Championship. We are offering Luke a chance to play again.”

Truro City chairman Pete Masters said: “Given Luke’s previous history, the club came under substantial criticism from both the local and national press, indeed some supporters voted with their feet which proved costly.

“That said, the club remained at Luke’s side and gradually introduced him again to the game of football and more importantly the supporters on both sides.

“Those who know football will need no reminding what happened to Luke at Swindon Town.

“Truro City is pleased to have been part of Luke’s rehabilitation to date and wish him well for the future at Oxford United.”

McCormick, a former Cardinal Wiseman School pupil, who grew up in Wyken, was training with Swindon before he was signed by the non-league club.